Children thrive in play environment
Jul 25, 2009
A playgroup in Gungahlin has been part of a major milestone reached last week by Playgroup Australia. The organisation is celebrating the recent establishment of 50 PlayConnect Playgroups for children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The playgroups operate all around Australia and aim to provide a unique experience for children under six with ASD.Children can participate in a range of playgroup activities that are specifically targeted for autistic children. These include playing with play dough, reading stories, painting, making art and craft and singing.
The Gungahlin PlayConnect Playgroup meets on a Monday morning at the Gungahlin Child and Family Centre. The group began in February and there are currently six families attending.
Playgroup Australia executive officer Karen Merange said the playgroups offered play-based learning opportunities for children with autism and those who might not have a formal diagnosis but may be displaying symptoms of autism. “We’re excited because we’re hearing that the groups are making a difference to families, and we’d urge others to give it a go,” she said.
ASD is a neuro-biological disorder that includes autism and aspergers syndrome.
Ms Merange said the PlayConnect development workers understood children with ASD thrive with routine and predictability because communication could be a struggle and social situations could sometimes be overwhelming. “The workers also knew that children with ASD are on a spectrum which means each child has their own individual abilities and needs, and so the programs are tailored for them.”
More Information:
The Gungahlin PlayConnect Playgroup is held each Monday at the Gungahlin Child and family Centre which is located on the corner of Ernest Cavanagh Street and Gungahlin Place, Gungahlin.
Source: The Northside Chronicle – 21 July 2009.
The Chronicle is published by The Federal Capital Press Pty Ltd - 9 Pirie Street, Fyshwick.
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